Painting - Cleaning Brushes

Hello -

Just a quick question - What is the best procedure in cleaing brushes when using oil based paint?

I love using oil base for my trim work - but the hassle of cleaning with mineral spirits - I don't usally get all the paint out - any tips?

Thanks

If you clean promptly, you should not have so much trouble getting the brush clean. I usually dip my brush in mineral spirits when starting so that the heel of the brush and the bristles don't start dry. If my brush starts to develop an accumulation near the ferrule during painting, I stop and clean it so that the accumulation does not start to harden.

It is also important to clean throughly. Not getting all the paint out of the stock will dimish the usefullness of the brush. Be sure to work the thinner throughly thru the bristles - the entire lenght, not just the tip.

Personally I don't like to wet the brush with thinner before using - it can cause problems,especially if you are brushing overhead. Any "dried" paint on the upper part of the bristles or on the ferrule can be removed with a wire brush - use the wire brush to "comb" the bristles.

Thank you for the response!